Triumph of Orthodoxy service Sunday in Weirton

March 23, 2013

The Orthodox clergy of the Upper Ohio Valley are sponsoring the annual Triumph of Orthodoxy service on Sunday at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton. The 4 p.m. service this year also will be the vespers for the feast of the Annunciation.

Orthodox Christians gather annually on the first Sunday of the Lenten fast to remember an historical event, according to a news release.

"In the year 842, after years of official persecution of those who advocated the use of icons, a council of the church's bishops decreed that the use of icons was proper and necessary, and the icons were restored to the churches of Constantinople with a great procession," the news release notes.

"Since that time, the observance has come to be an occasion of thanksgiving to God for giving the truth of the Christ to the world, and for protecting and preserving that truth in the Church despite all that seeks to destroy it. In commemoration of this event, a solemn procession with icons accompanied by prayers and a proclamation of the Orthodox Faith is made during the service," the release reads.

The service is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.